Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Did you know that an average adult individual has thirty-two teeth when they reach the age of eighteen? Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and performs particular functions. Wisdom teeth that are third molars typically appear between late teenage years and early twenties, around 16 to 25 years. If they erupt and grow properly, they usually don't need extraction. However, wisdom teeth can sometimes cause many oral problems, including tooth pain, infection, tooth decay, misalignment, and even jaw and nerve damage. You may also need wisdom teeth extraction if your teeth become impacted.

Even unseen wisdom teeth can cause serious problems; therefore, it is recommended to evaluate the wisdom teeth early, usually during the mid-teen years. Early evaluation and treatment can not only solve any current problems but can also prevent serious issues that may develop in the future.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH WISDOM TEETH

There are chances that the wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge partially or even remain unerupted in a crowded mouth. The wisdom teeth that are partially or completely trapped in the gum are called impacted teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause many serious problems, such as jaw and nerve damage. Wisdom teeth can cause problems that include:

• Misalignment of jaw and teeth.
• Tooth decay from trapped bacteria and food. 
• Infections.
• Pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Gum disease.
• Jawbone and nerve damage. 
• Tumors in the jaw.

As per the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, 85% of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed.

BENEFITS OF WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION

Here are the benefits of wisdom teeth extraction:

Reduces dental infections and other diseases

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to problems like teeth cavities and gum infections that affect the nerves and the bloodstream and result in sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Removing the wisdom teeth can help you in preventing dental infections.

Avoids misalignment of nearby teeth due to overcrowding

Typically, wisdom teeth emerge in overcrowded areas, in between two adjacent teeth. Since there won't be enough room for the wisdom tooth to grow, it will use the adjacent teeth' space, leading to teeth misalignment. 

Eliminates the probability of cysts and tumors

When you have impacted wisdom teeth, it can lead to infections and bacteria growth, which in turn can cause cysts or tumors on your jawbone. It can also lead to intense joint pain. 

WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION PROCEDURE

The first step in the wisdom teeth extraction procedure involves numbing the area to be worked on with local anesthesia. Many dentists also use nitrous oxide to help patients relax during the process.  

If the wisdom teeth are grown straight, removing them is easy and can be pulled out by a dentist using dental tools. However, if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, the procedure requires oral surgery. After numbing the area, the gum tissue covering the impacted tooth will be cut open to reach it. Thus, the dentist will be able to grab the tooth and lift it out of the socket. 

Early assessment and removal of wisdom teeth are the best way to prevent teeth problems associated with wisdom teeth. To learn more about wisdom teeth removal, call us or book an appointment online for a personal consultation with our oral surgeons to evaluate your wisdom teeth.

At Korte Family Dentistry, Dentist in Lincoln, NE, we offer wisdom teeth extractions. To know more about the dental treatments we offer, call (402) 489-3115, book an online appointment, or visit us at 3901 Normal Blvd STE 202, Lincoln, NE 68506.